“Backcountry” adventure

With the unpredictability of the Scottish ski conditions many of my friends over the years have transitioned to backcountry skiing kit. This allows them to access the Scottish ski mountains when the lift system is not able to be fully running and gives them the choice of on piste or off piste skiing on the way down. After a few attempts at following them on snow shoes I decided to take the plunge and bought my own gear and yesterday used this for the first time. It was a great day out.

Cairngorm Mountain had some great late season snow this week and although the bottom half of the mountain was a bit thin, the top half had some great snowing. We initially planned to skin up to access the lifts that were running higher up, but inspired but the beautiful day and the thought of burning lots of calories we continued up and walked to the very top. We then managed to ski all the way down, including the entertaining obstacle course right at the bottom where heather and stones were beginning to peek through the snow. So technically not hard core backcountry as we were within the mountain resort, but we walked all the way up and went off piste. I was really pleased with the kit which was recommended by my friends as well as the amazing staff at the Ellis Brigham shop in Fort William who supplied and fitted everything.

Also delighted that we’ve come on the weekend trip in the van which we had adapted late last year to accommodate skis alongside the mountain bikes in the garage area. As the ski road was clear and the ski mountain not very busy we were able to drive up to the car park rather than accessing the ski bus from town as we’d done previously. The ski bus is a great option but much easier to have all your kit with you in the van rather than carry it all up in the bus.

We had après ski in the van followed by a few beers at the Old Bridge Inn and a retro dinner (prawn cocktail!?!) at La Taverna.

Illya is back up to the mountain this morning, but on his bike this time, to play in the snow on his fat bike tyres. Should be entertaining, although hard work.